Explain why fluorine is reactive

  • Fluorine is a halogen, these group 7 elements are reactive because they require just 1 additional electron to achieve a noble configuration. 

  • Fluorine is the smallest halogen, and so its outer electrons are closer to the charge dense nucleus, making it easier for the nucleus to attract electrons to it.

  • Fluorine is the most electronegative element in the periodic table, meaning it has a strong tendency to draw electrons towards it (hence it is able to form compounds with most other elements)

GL
Answered by George L. Chemistry tutor

4956 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

A sample of nitrogen gas is heated to 100°C, at a pressure of 10kPa and volume of 0.2m^3. How many moles of gas are present?


Define enthalpy of neutralisation and state standard conditions:


How does increasing/decreasing temperature affect the equilibrium position of the following reaction: CuSO4.5H2O(s) ⇌ CuSO4(s) + H2O(l) ?


Explain the reasons for the changes in reactivity of Phenol, Benzene and MethylBenzene


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning